Induction of globin gene expression in KMOE cells derived from a patient with acute erythremia was studied by Northern blot and S1 analysis. KMOE cells exposed to cytosine arabinofuranoside (Ara-C) synthesized beta-globin gene transcripts, however, in the presence of hemin gamma-globin gene transcripts. An increase in alpha-globin gene transcripts was also detectable in KMOE cells treated with both Ara-C and hemin. Upon exposure to hemin after exposure to Ara-C, or exposure to Ara-C after hemin, there was a 5-10-fold increase in gamma-globin gene transcripts compared to that of cells induced by hemin alone. Neither epsilon nor zeta globin transcripts were detected. The KMOE cell line, therefore, exhibits phenotypic properties of adult and fetal erythroid cells.